In a West Bank village at night, a Palestinian and an Israeli ponder the possibility of a future where Basel can freely visit Yuval’s home in Israel, where Basel’s village can obtain building permits, and where they can experience stability. The two friends have been documenting the destruction of houses, a well, and a school by the Israeli army following a court ruling declaring Basel’s community illegal. They share hopes of changing this harsh reality.
Their story has now reached global recognition on prominent platforms. Their film, “No Other Land,” has been nominated for prestigious awards like an Oscar and a Bafta in the best documentary feature category. The film delves into the struggle surrounding Masafer Yatta, a collection of approximately 20 villages, and the deep bond between Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham.
Through the lens of the film, viewers witness Basel’s near detention during a protest, his father’s arrest, and a tragic incident where a community member is shot in the neck by a soldier while seizing a generator, resulting in paralysis and death. Yuval reflects on the impact of their work, acknowledging the power of films to influence individuals and contribute to broader social change, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Over a span of five years, Basel and Yuval collaborated with Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor to craft this impactful narrative. Despite an IDF investigation concluding no wrongdoing in the case of the paralyzed individual, Palestinian witnesses dispute the findings, claiming the shooting was deliberate. The film sheds light on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in the context of the West Bank occupation and settler violence.
The film’s release coincided with escalating tensions in the region, marked by deadly attacks and violent incidents. The filmmakers express concerns over the potential exacerbation of conflicts following political shifts, including the U.S. administration’s stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
As discussions surrounding sovereignty and territorial disputes continue to unfold, the film stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the power of storytelling to drive awareness and change.
Hovering above the occupied West Bank, Trump mentioned he had not taken a stance yet but planned to make an announcement in four weeks.
The controversy surrounding Masafer Yatta started in the 1980s when Israel designated the area as off-limits for civilian habitation under the pretext of it being a closed military firing zone.
During a 1981 meeting, the then-Israeli Agricultural Minister Ariel Sharon proposed additional training grounds to the military to prevent the “expansion of Arab communities from the hills towards the desert.”
Israel contended that the inhabitants had not permanently resided there previously. However, the Palestinian residents challenged this in Israel’s Supreme Court, asserting their long-standing presence in the area dating back generations, supported by a 1945 map indicating village locations.
In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Israel, permitting the demolition of homes and the expulsion of over 1,000 villagers.
The documentary captures heart-wrenching scenes of a bulldozer demolishing a school, a truck filling a well with mud, and machinery dismantling a house as villagers confront the military.
A poignant moment in the film shows a girl weeping, with her mother expressing that they have nowhere else to go, saying, “We have no other land.”
Additionally, the documentary portrays touching human interactions, such as a mother moving into a cave kissing her daughter and reassuring her, “You’re my love… Tomorrow brings a new day.”
The film delves into the friendship between Basel and Yuval, highlighting their similar values but contrasting freedoms. While Yuval can move freely within Israel and the West Bank, Basel requires a permit to enter Israel, purportedly for security reasons.
Basel, a law graduate, expresses frustration at being limited to construction work in Israel, leading to feelings of deep disillusionment.
The tension arising from Yuval’s identity is evident in the film, with a Palestinian questioning the sustainability of their friendship given the potential harm inflicted by individuals associated with Yuval’s community.
Yuval acknowledged his responsibility for the plight of Basel’s community, attributing it to the indirect support through his tax contributions.
Yuval faced criticism after denouncing the situation in Gaza as apartheid during his acceptance speech at the Berlin Film Festival. This stirred controversy, with Israeli officials labeling his remarks as antisemitic.
Despite the acclaim it has received globally, the documentary “No Other Land” is self-distributed in the US due to an absence of official distribution channels.
In a rare turn of events for a documentary film, one that has garnered an Oscar nomination, a powerful and poignant story unfolds. The film captures a chilling scene from October 13, 2023, in which Basel records the disturbing incident of a settler fatally shooting his cousin, seemingly unarmed, in the stomach. The footage also reveals unsettling instances of settlers pelting rocks at homes under the watchful eyes of soldiers.
Following the shocking incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the shooting case had been handed over to the state attorney’s office. Seeking clarity, the BBC reached out for a response from the authorities. Basel, currently residing in Masafer Yatta, shed light on the prevailing climate of fear and intimidation imposed by settlers, describing their dominance as “unlimited” and the daily harassment as relentless.
Recounting the escalation of violence, Basel recounted three significant attacks by settlers in January alone. These incidents included a brutal assault on a 72-year-old man who required hospitalization after being struck in the head with sticks. Additionally, approximately 15 individuals were reportedly arrested in the days leading up to January 30 while tending to their sheep or attempting to fend off encroaching settlers. Despite inquiries, Israel Police remained unresponsive to the BBC’s requests for comment.
In response to the escalating tensions, the United Kingdom took a decisive stand by imposing sanctions on three settler outposts and four organizations implicated in fomenting violence against West Bank communities. Yuval, a key figure in the region, urged the UK to extend sanctions to encompass all settlers, emphasizing the potential deterrent effect such measures could have.
A spokesperson from the UK’s foreign office underscored the nation’s commitment to pressuring Israeli authorities to curb settler violence and halt the expansion of settlements. The spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to combat settler aggression through targeted sanctions and pledged to safeguard the rights of Palestinians while holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
Yuval expressed a fervent belief in the necessity of a just and equitable political resolution that upholds the freedom of Palestinians and ensures security and self-determination for both communities. Expressing frustration at the prolonged inaction of global powers, Yuval urged for urgent intervention to rectify the injustices persisting in the region.
Within the film’s narrative, Basel reflects on a brief encounter with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, revealing how Israel retracted demolition orders in his village following Blair’s visit. Emphasizing the theme of power, Basel draws strength from the solidarity of those around him, fueling his determination to persist in the face of adversity.
As Basel stands resolute amidst a protest captured in the film, he conveys a powerful message: “One water drop doesn’t make change, but keep dropping the water and it will make change.” Through his unwavering resolve and the support of his community, Basel embodies a beacon of hope for a future defined by justice and peace.
